Pretenders: Last of the Independents (1994)

“Last of the Independents,” the first album from veteran rock quartet the Pretenderssince 1990’s vapid “Packed!” is a startling return to the band’s peak form of the early 1980s. Singer-songwriter Chrissie Hynde is in full command on a 13-track collection deftly balanced between infectious rockers and moody ballads.

The Pretenders are prime candidates for rock ‘n roll comeback of the year.